CN115693224A - Socket connectors for connector systems - Google Patents

Abstract

A receptacle connector (102) includes a housing (110) having a pin access opening (165) through a bottom (152) leading to a cavity (164) configured to receive a pin (212). The receptacle connector (102) includes a receptacle (112) in the cavity that is electrically connected to the pin. The receptacle connector includes a latch (170) movably received in a latch slot (172) to engage the pin to secure the receptacle connector to the pin. The latch includes a latch release (176) accessible from outside the housing to release the latch. The latch release moves the latch between the latched position and the clearance position. A latching rib (180) of the latch engages the pin in the latched position and is released from the pin in the clearance position to allow the receptacle connector to be decoupled from the pin.

Description

Socket connectors for connector systems

technical field

The subject of this article deals with connector systems in general.

Background technique

Connector systems, such as power connector systems, include power connectors for providing power to various system components. For example, power connector systems can be used in backplane power distribution applications. Some known conventional power connector systems include cable mounting receptacles electrically connected to pins. This pin can be mounted to a board or bus bar to provide power to the board or bus bar. This pin is a single pole, quick connect and disconnect alternative to lug connections. Pins are reliable and offer better serviceability than bolt-on lugs. Known power connector systems are not without disadvantages. For example, pins may have current carrying limitations. Also, the mismatch of pins to sockets is problematic.

There remains a need for a cost effective and reliable receptacle connector for a connector system.

Contents of the invention

In one embodiment, a receptacle connector is provided that includes a housing having a top, a bottom, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The housing has a front and a rear. The housing includes a cavity. The housing includes a pin access opening through the bottom opening to the cavity, the pin access opening being configured to receive a pin. The housing includes a latch pocket open to the cavity. The receptacle connector includes a receptacle received in the cavity and configured to be electrically connected to the pins. The receptacle has a cable receptacle configured to receive a cable, and the receptacle is configured to couple to the cable. The socket has pin sockets configured to receive pins. The pin receptacle is aligned with the pin entry opening of the housing. The socket electrically connects the cables and pins. The receptacle connector includes a latch movably received in the latch pocket. The latch is configured to engage the pins to secure the receptacle connector to the pins. The latch includes a latch release accessible from outside the housing to release the latch. The latch includes a latch rib having a latch surface. A latch release moves the latch between a latched position and a clearance position. The latch rib is configured to engage the pin in the latched position. The latch rib is released from the pin at the clearance location to allow disengagement of the receptacle connector from the pin.

In another embodiment, a receptacle connector is provided that includes a housing having a top, a bottom, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The housing has a front and a rear. The housing includes a first chamber and a second chamber with a partition wall therebetween. The partition wall has latch pockets. The housing includes a first pin access opening through the bottom opening to the first cavity and a second pin access opening through the bottom opening to the second cavity. The receptacle connector includes a first receptacle received in the first cavity. The first receptacle has a first cable receptacle configured to receive a first cable. The first receptacle is configured to couple to a first cable. The first receptacle has a first pin receptacle configured to receive a first pin. The first pin receptacle is aligned with the first pin entry opening of the housing. The first socket is electrically connected to the first cable and the first pin. The receptacle connector includes a second receptacle received in the second cavity. The second receptacle has a second cable receptacle configured to receive a second cable. The second receptacle is configured to couple to a second cable. The second receptacle has a second pin receptacle configured to receive a second pin. The second pin receptacle is aligned with the second pin entry opening of the housing. The second socket electrically connects the second cable and the second pin. The receptacle connector includes a latch that is movably received in a latch recess in the divider wall between the first cavity and the second cavity. The latch includes a latch release accessible from outside the housing to release the latch. The latch includes a first latch rib having a first latch surface and a second latch rib having a second latch surface. A latch release moves the latch between a latched position and a clearance position. A first latch rib is located in the first cavity to engage the first pin in a latched position. A second latch rib is located in the second cavity to engage the second pin in the latched position. In the clearance position, the first and second latch ribs are released from the first and second pins to allow disengagement of the receptacle connector from the pins.

In another embodiment, a connector system is provided that includes a pin connector having a substrate holding a first pin and a second pin. The first pin includes a mating end having a first groove. The second pin includes a mating end with a second groove. The connector system includes a receptacle connector coupled to a pin connector. A receptacle connector is provided that includes a housing having a top, a bottom, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The housing has a front and a rear. The housing includes a first chamber and a second chamber with a partition wall therebetween. The partition wall has latch pockets. The housing includes a first pin access opening through the bottom opening to the first cavity and a second pin access opening through the bottom opening to the second cavity. The receptacle connector includes a first receptacle received in the first cavity. The first receptacle has a first cable receptacle configured to receive a first cable. The first receptacle is configured to couple to the first cable. The first receptacle has a first pin receptacle that receives a first pin. The first pin receptacle is aligned with the first pin entry opening of the housing. The first socket is electrically connected to the first cable and the first pin. The receptacle connector includes a second receptacle received in the second cavity. The second receptacle has a second cable receptacle configured to receive a second cable. The second receptacle is configured to couple to a second cable. The second socket has a second pin socket that receives a second pin. The second pin receptacle is aligned with the second pin entry opening of the housing. The second socket electrically connects the second cable and the second pin. The receptacle connector includes a latch that is movably received in a latch recess in the divider wall between the first cavity and the second cavity. The latch includes a latch release accessible from outside the housing to release the latch. The latch includes a first latch rib having a first latch surface and a second latch rib having a second latch surface. A latch release moves the latch between a latched position and a clearance position. A first latch rib is located in the first cavity to engage the first groove of the first pin in a latched position. A second latch rib is located in the second cavity to engage the second groove of the second pin in the latched position. In the clearance position, the first and second latch ribs are released from the first and second pins to allow disengagement of the receptacle connector from the pins.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector system according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a connector system according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a pin according to an exemplary embodiment.

4 is a bottom perspective view of a receptacle connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

5 is a front view of a receptacle connector coupled to a pin connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

6 is a top view of a receptacle connector coupled to a pin connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a connector system showing a receptacle connector ready to mate with a receptacle connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

8 is a cross-sectional view of a connector system showing a receptacle connector coupled to a receptacle connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a connector system showing the receptacle connector coupled with the receptacle connector with the latch in the latched position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

10 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system showing the receptacle connector coupled with the receptacle connector with the latch in the clearance position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Detailed ways

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of connector system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The connector system 100 includes a receptacle connector 102 and a pin connector 200 . Connector system 100 may be a power connector system, such as a backplane power distribution system. In FIGS. 1 and 2 , receptacle connector 102 is shown ready to be coupled to pin connector 200 . The receptacle connector 102 is configured to be removably coupled to the pin connector 200 . For example, receptacle connector 102 may be lockably coupled directly to pins of pin connector 200 . In the exemplary embodiment, receptacle connector 102 includes a pair of conductors and pin connector 200 includes a pair of conductors. Multiple conductors can be mated and unmated simultaneously. However, in alternative embodiments, the receptacle connector 102 and the pin connector 200 may include more or fewer conductors, for example to increase or decrease the current or power configured to be transmitted through the connectors 102 , 200 .

The pin connector 200 includes a substrate 202 holding a first pin 204 and a second pin 206 . Providing multiple pins 204 , 206 increases the current carrying capability of the connector system 100 . In an exemplary embodiment, the first pin 204 is a power pin, such as a positive power pin, and the second pin 206 is a power pin, such as a negative power pin, forming a power circuit. In other various embodiments, the first and second pins 204 , 206 may both be positive power pins or both negative power pins to increase the current carrying capacity of the pin connector 200 . In such embodiments, a second pin connector may be provided to provide the other of a positive or negative power pin. In other various embodiments, the first pin 204 and/or the second pin 206 may be a signal pin or a ground pin.

In various embodiments, the substrate 202 is a circuit board. The pins 204, 206 may be coupled to the circuit board by a press-fit connection or by using screws. In other various embodiments, the substrate 202 is a bus bar. The pins 204 , 206 may be coupled to the bus bars using screws or swaged pins 204 , 206 . Optionally, multiple substrates 202 may be provided, each holding a respective pin 204,206.

In the exemplary embodiment, the first and second pins 204, 206 are identical. Referring additionally to FIG. 3 , a side view of pin 204 is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Pin 204 includes a base 210 mounted to substrate 202 and a pin 212 extending from base 210 . Pin 212 extends to mating end 214 . In the exemplary embodiment, base 210 is disposed at the bottom of pin 204 and mating end 214 is disposed at the top of pin 204 . In various embodiments, the pin 212 is cylindrical overall. In the exemplary embodiment, base 210 includes a flange 216 configured to couple to base plate 202 . The flange 216 is located on the upper surface of the base plate 202 . Flange 216 may be electrically connected to substrate 202 . In the exemplary embodiment, base 210 is configured to extend through an opening in substrate 202 . The base 210 may be press fit into the opening of the base plate 202 . The base 210 may include a knurled surface or extruded ribs along the exterior for mechanical and electrical connection to the substrate 202 . Optionally, fasteners 218 , such as screws, are coupled to the bottom end of base 210 below base plate 202 .

In the exemplary embodiment, pin 212 includes a groove 220 extending around the circumference of pin 212 . The pins 212 are stepped inward to form a groove 220 . The groove 220 may be V-shaped. Grooves 220 form surfaces for lockably coupling receptacle connector 102 to pins 212 . The groove 220 is located near the distal end 222 of the pin 212 . For example, groove 220 is located on the upper half of pin 212 and may be located proximate to distal end 222 . In the exemplary embodiment, pins 212 are chamfered or cupped at distal ends 222 to provide lead-in surfaces for mating with receptacle connector 102 . In various embodiments, pin 212 may be machined, eg, threaded, to form groove 220 .

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the receptacle connector 102 includes a housing 110 (shown in FIG. 4 ) that holds one or more receptacles 112 . Housing 110 receives receptacle 112 and allows receptacle 112 to be mated and unmated with pin connector 200 simultaneously. The housing 110 is made of dielectric material, such as plastic material. The housing 110 may be molded, for example injection molded. The housing 110 includes a top 150 , a bottom 152 , a first side wall 154 and a second side wall 156 . The housing 110 extends between a front 160 and a rear 162 .

Housing 110 includes one or more cavities 164 that receive receptacle 112 . In various embodiments, housing 110 may include a pair of cavities 164 , such as a first cavity and a second cavity that receive a pair of receptacles 112 . Cavities 164 may be divided by divider walls 166 that electrically isolate receptacle 112 . Housing 110 may include retention features that retain receptacle 112 in cavity 164 , such as latches, tabs, recesses, shoulders, etc., formed in walls defining cavity 164 . Housing 110 may completely enclose receptacle 112 when receptacle 112 is received in cavity 164 to form a touch-safe cover for receptacle 112 . For example, the top, bottom, sides, front, and/or rear of receptacle 112 may be covered by housing 110 . The receptacle 112 does not require a second insulating covering to make the receptacle 112 touch safe. Instead, the housing 110 insulates the conductive portion of the receptacle 112 without the need for a second insulating covering. In an exemplary embodiment, cavity 164 is open at top 150 and includes upper opening 168 . The upper opening provides access to cavity 164 . The upper opening 168 allows visual inspection of the pins 204 , 206 during mating, eg, for aligning the housing 110 with the pins 204 , 206 . An upper opening 168 may be provided at the end of the extension at top 150 .

In the exemplary embodiment, receptacle connector 102 includes one or more latches 170 for coupling receptacle connector 102 to pin connector 200 . The latch 170 is received in a latch pocket 172 in the housing 110 . In the exemplary embodiment, the latch 170 is configured to directly engage the pins 204 , 206 . For example, the latch 170 is received in the groove 220 of the pins 204 , 206 to retain the receptacle connector 102 on the pins 204 , 206 . In the exemplary embodiment, latch 170 is movably coupled to housing 110 . For example, the latch 170 can slide in the latch pocket 172 . The latch 170 is movable between a latched position and a clearance position. The latch 170 is accessible on the exterior of the housing 110 , for example at the front 160 . The latches 170 are deflected, eg, pressed inwardly, to release the receptacle connector 102 from the pin connector 200 .

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of receptacle connector 102 according to an exemplary embodiment. The receptacle connector 102 includes a housing 110 and a receptacle 112 . The receptacle 112 is configured to be received in the housing 110 . The receptacle 112 may be located in the housing 110 to interface with the pins 204, 206 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). For example, socket 112 may be received in cavity 164 for electrical connection to pins 204 , 206 .

In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle connector 102 includes a pair of receptacles 112 including a first receptacle 114 and a second receptacle 116 . Optionally, the first and second receptacles 114, 116 may be identical. Each socket 112 is electrically connected to an electrical cable 118 . Cable 118 may be a power cable. The first and second receptacles 114, 116 are configured to be electrically connected to the first and second pins 204, 206, respectively. In the exemplary embodiment, the receptacles 114, 116 are electrical receptacles.

The sockets 114, 116 are made of conductive material, such as copper or aluminum. In various embodiments, the sockets 114, 116 are machined parts. In alternative embodiments, the sockets 114, 116 may be die cast, extruded, molded, or may be stamped and formed components. The receptacles 114 , 116 each extend between a mating end 120 and a terminating end 122 . The terminating end 122 is coupled to the cable 118 . In the exemplary embodiment, receptacles 114 , 116 each include a crimp barrel 124 at a terminating end 122 . The crimp barrel 124 is hollow and forms a cable receptacle 126 that receives the cable 118 . The crimp barrel 124 is crimped to the cable 118, for example using a crimping tool. In alternative embodiments, the terminating end 122 may be coupled to the cable 118 by other means. For example, the terminating end 122 may include a solder pad that is soldered to the end of the cable 118 .

The receptacles 114 , 116 each include a body 130 at the mating end 120 . Body 130 includes pin receptacles 132 configured to receive corresponding pins 212 (shown in FIG. 3 ). The main body 130 includes an opening 134 at its bottom that opens to the pin receptacle 132 . The top of the body 130 may additionally or alternatively include an opening 134 . In other various embodiments, the top of the body 130 may be closed. In the illustrated embodiment, the pin receptacle 132 extends along an axis perpendicular to the cable 118 . However, other orientations are possible in alternative embodiments. For example, pin receptacle 132 may extend along an axis parallel to cable 118 . In the exemplary embodiment, body 130 includes retention features 136 for retaining receptacles 114 , 116 in housing 110 . For example, retention features 136 may be barbs or ribs formed along the sides of body 130 . In alternative embodiments, other types of retention features may be used.

In an exemplary embodiment, receptacles 114 , 116 each include twist ribbon contacts 140 that are received in pin receptacles 132 . The twist strip contact 140 includes rings or bands 142 surrounding the top and bottom of the twist band contact 140 and spring beams 144 extending between the bands 142 . The spring beams 144 are deflectable relative to each other. The spring beam 144 extends inwardly towards the interior of the twist strip contact 140 . For example, twist strip contact 140 may have an hourglass shape. The spring beam 144 includes a separable mating interface configured to engage and electrically connect to the pin 212 when the pin 212 is inserted into the pin receptacle 132 in the twist strip contact 140 .

In an exemplary embodiment, housing 110 includes pin access openings 165 at bottom 152 . Pin entry opening 165 provides access to cavity 164 . In the exemplary embodiment, receptacles 114 , 116 are arranged in housing 110 such that pin receptacles 132 are aligned with pin entry openings 165 to receive pins 204 , 206 . In the exemplary embodiment, housing 110 includes a guide surface at pin entry opening 165 to guide loading of pins 204 , 206 into pin entry opening 165 . For example, the guide surfaces are angled or chamfered surfaces for delivering the pins 204 , 206 into the pin entry opening 165 . The guide surfaces provide a larger capture radius for receiving the pins 204 , 206 to guide the mating of the receptacle connector 102 with the pin connector 200 .

FIG. 5 is a front view of receptacle connector 102 coupled to pin connector 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6 is a top view of receptacle connector 102 coupled to pin connector 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. The receptacle connector 102 is directly coupled to the pin connector 200 . The latch 170 is lockably coupled directly to the pins 204 , 206 of the pin connector 200 . The latch 170 may be pressed inwardly to release the receptacle connector 102 from the pin connector 200 . As shown in FIG. 6 , the pins 204 , 206 are visible through the top 150 of the housing 110 , eg, through the upper opening 168 .

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of connector system 100 showing receptacle connector 102 ready to mate with pin connector 200 . FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of connector system 100 showing receptacle connector 102 coupled to pin connector 200 . When assembled, the receptacles 114 , 116 are seated in the cavities 164 to interface with the pins 204 , 206 . The spring beam 144 of the twisted strip contact 140 extends inwardly into the interior volume of the receptacle 114 , 116 to engage the pins 204 , 206 .

During mating, the pin entry openings 165 align with the distal ends 222 of the pins 204 , 206 . Upper opening 168 allows for visual alignment with pins 212 . Housing 110 is lowered over pins 204 , 206 to load pins 204 , 206 into cavity 164 . In the exemplary embodiment, housing 110 is lowered onto pin connector 200 until bottom 152 rests on flange 216 and/or base plate 202 . During mating, the latch 170 engages the pins 204 , 206 . The pins 204, 206 may be shaped (eg, rounded or chamfered at the top) to engage the latch 170 and actuate or move the latch to a clearance position so that the latch 170 moves along the pins 204, 206. The end of the latch 170 is passed through so that the latch 170 is aligned with the groove 220 . The latch 170 may clip or snap-fit coupled to the pins 204 , 206 in the groove 220 . In the latched position, the latch 170 is received in the groove 220 to secure the receptacle connector 102 to the pin connector 200 . The latches 170 are used to lock the receptacle connector 102 to the pins 204 , 206 without requiring separate mounting hardware, such as fasteners for securing the housing 110 to the base plate 202 . In this way, the housing 110 can be manufactured to have a narrow width. For example, the walls of cavity 164 along the exterior of pins 212 may be relatively thin, resulting in a small footprint for receptacle connector 102, which allows other components to be provided on substrate 202 in close proximity to pins 204, 206 (especially when combined with Such a housing has mounting tabs or other mounting features along the sides of the housing 110 for mounting the receptacle connector 102 to the substrate 202 when compared).

In the exemplary embodiment, housing 110 includes a tower or extension 158 at top 150 of housing 110 . Extension 158 lifts upper opening 168 a safe distance above distal end 222 of pin 212 . The extension 158 makes the housing 110 touch safe by preventing inadvertent touching or shorting of the pins 204 , 206 .

9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of connector system 100 showing receptacle connector 102 coupled with pin connector 200 with latch 170 in a latched position. 10 is a cross-sectional view of connector system 100 showing receptacle connector 102 coupled to pin connector 200 with latch 170 in a clearance position. The latch 170 is movably received in the latch pocket 172 . For example, the latch 170 may be pressed inwardly to release the latch 170 from the pins 204 , 206 of the pin connector 200 . The latch 170 is guided between the latched position and the clearance position by the housing 110 in the latch pocket 172 . In the latched position, the latch 170 engages the pins 204 , 206 to prevent disengagement or separation of the receptacle connector 102 from the pin connector 200 . In the illustrated embodiment, a single latch 170 is latchably coupled to both pins 204 , 206 to secure the receptacle connector 102 to the pin connector 200 . However, in alternative embodiments, the latch 170 may be coupled to one of the pins 204 , 206 , or multiple latches 170 may be provided, each coupled to a corresponding pin 204 , 206 .

The lock 170 includes a body 174 , a latch release 176 and one or more latch arms 178 . In the illustrated embodiment, the latch release 176 is disposed at the front of the body 174 and the latch arm 178 extends from the rear of the body 174 . The latch release 176 may be a button. The latch release 176 is exposed on the exterior of the housing 110 , such as at the front 160 of the housing 110 . The latch release 176 is actuated (unlocked) by pushing the latch 170 inwardly from the latched position to the clearance position. In alternative embodiments, other types of actuation movements are possible.

In the illustrated embodiment, the latch 170 includes a pair of latch arms 178 . The latch arm 178 is configured to lockably couple to the pin connector 200 , such as the pins 204 , 206 . The latch arm 178 is deflectable. During mating and unmating of receptacle connector 102 with pin connector 200 , latch arms 178 may deflect inwardly (eg, toward each other). The latch arm 178 may be automatically deflected (eg, without depressing the latch release 176 ), such as by the pins 204 , 206 during mating of the receptacle connector 102 to the pin connector 200 . For example, as the receptacle connector 102 is pressed down onto the pin connector 200, the distal ends (which may be circular) of the pins 204, 206 engage the latch arm 178 and deflect the latch arm 178 inwardly until The latch arm 178 is aligned with the groove 220 . The latch arm 178 can snap outward to clip or latch into the groove 220 . The latch arm 178 may be deflected using the latch release 176 , eg, squeezed inwardly when actuated to release the latch arm 178 from the pins 204 , 206 . The latch arm 178 may be lockably coupled to the housing 110 . In the exemplary embodiment, the latch arm 178 is configured to deflect inwardly by the housing 110 as the latch 170 is actuated and pressed inwardly into the clearance position. For example, when the latch 170 is moved rearwardly, the latch arms 178 engage the housing 110 and flex inwardly toward each other to release from the pins 204 , 206 . When the latch release 176 is actuated (eg, when an operator presses the latch release 176 ), the latch arm 178 moves from the blocking or latched position to the clearance position. In the exemplary embodiment, when the operator releases the latch release 176, the latch arm 178 engages the housing 110 and returns the latch 170 from the released position to the latched position.

Each latch arm 178 includes a latch rib 180 along a side of the latch arm 178 , for example along an outer edge of the latch arm 178 . The latch rib 180 has a latch surface 182 (eg, an upper surface) configured to latchably engage a corresponding pin 204 , 206 . The latch rib 180 is sized and shaped to interface with the pins 204, 206, eg, fit in the groove 220 (shown in FIG. 8). In various embodiments, the latch rib 180 may be V-shaped. FIG. 8 shows the latching rib 180 in the groove 220 of the pins 204 , 206 and the latching surface 182 engaging the pins 204 , 206 to secure the receptacle connector 102 to the pin connector 200 . The latch rib 180 is deflectable with the latch arm 178 , and when the latch arm 178 is deflected, the latch arm 178 unlatches the lock rib 180 .

The locking rib 180 extends along the length of the latch arm 178 . The latch rib 180 may extend along the length of the main body 174 . In the illustrated embodiment, the latch rib 180 terminates without reaching the latch release 176 . For example, a window 184 is disposed between the latch rib 180 and the latch release 176 . The window 184 may extend along the length of the body 174 . Optionally, the window 184 may extend along the length of the latch arm 178 (eg, when the latch rib 180 is shorter than the body 174). The latch rib 180 disengages (unlocks) from the pins 204, 206 at the clearance position. For example, the window 184 is configured to align with the pins 204, 206 when the latch 170 is moved to the clearance position. When the windows 184 are aligned with the pins 204, 206, the receptacle connector 102 is able to move vertically along the pins 204, 206 in the clearance position.

Each latch arm 178 includes a latch finger 186 at a distal end 188 of the latch arm 178 . The latch fingers 186 are configured to be latchably coupled to the housing 110 . For example, the latch finger 186 may be received in a notch 190 in the housing 110 to engage a capture surface 192 of the housing 110 . The latch fingers 186 prevent the latch 170 from being pulled out of the housing 110 . In the exemplary embodiment, housing 110 includes a ramp surface 194 at the rear of latch pocket 172 . The distal end 188 of the latch arm 178 engages the ramp surface 194 . Ramp surface 194 is configured to deflect latch arm 178 inwardly as distal end 188 travels along ramp surface 194 . For example, as the latch 170 is actuated (pressed back to the clearance position of FIG. 10 ), the distal end 188 slides along the ramp 194 to deflect the latch arm 178 inwardly. This deflection elastically deforms the latch arm 178 creating an internal spring or biasing force in the latch arm 178 . When the latch release 176 is released, the latch arm 178 expands to return to the undeflected state, which causes the distal end 188 of the latch arm 178 to ride up the ramp surface 194 and return the latch 170 to the latched position (FIG. 9) .

The latch release 176 is conveniently accessible from the exterior of the housing 110 to quickly and easily unlock the receptacle connector 102 from the pin connector 200 . When the latch release 176 is actuated, the latch 170 slides in the linear actuation direction (eg, rearwardly). The sliding movement of the latch 170 releases the latch rib 180 and aligns the window 184 with the pins 204 , 206 to release the connection of the latch 170 to the pins 204 , 206 . Accordingly, the receptacle connector 102 can be removed from the pins 204, 206 without hindrance.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Dimensions, types of materials, orientations of various components, and numbers and positions of various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments and are by no means limiting, but merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "wherein" are used as equivalents to the respective terms "comprising" and "in". Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms "first", "second" and "third", etc. are used only as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Furthermore, the following claim limitations are not written in a means-plus-function format, nor are they intended to be construed based on 35 U.S.C. §112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "for means", followed by a functional description without further structure.

Claims (10)

1. A receptacle connector (102), comprising:

a housing (110) having a top (150), a bottom (152), a first side wall (154), and a second side wall (156), the housing having a front (160) and a rear (162), the housing including a cavity (164), the housing including a pin access opening (165) through the bottom opening to the cavity, the pin access opening configured to receive a pin (212), the housing including a latch pocket (172) leading to the cavity;

a socket (112) received in the cavity and configured to electrically connect to the pins, the socket having a cable socket (126) configured to receive a cable (118), the socket configured to couple to a cable, the socket having a pin socket (132) configured to receive the pins, the pin socket aligned with the pin access opening of the housing, the socket electrically connecting the cable and the pins; and

a latch (170) movably received in the latch pocket and configured to engage the pin (212) to secure the receptacle connector to the pin, the latch including a latch release (176) accessible from outside the housing to release the latch, the latch including a latch rib (180) having a latch surface (182), the latch release moving the latch between a latched position and a clearance position, the latch rib configured to engage the pin in the latched position, the latch rib being released from the pin in the clearance position to allow the receptacle connector to be uncoupled from the pin.

2. The receptacle connector (102) of claim 1, wherein the latch (170) includes a window (184) between the latch rib (180) and the latch release (176), the window being aligned with the pin (212) in the clearance position.

3. The receptacle connector (102) of claim 1, wherein the latch (170) is slidable in the latch pocket (172) in a linear direction between the latched position and the clearance position.

4. The receptacle connector (102) of claim 1, wherein the latch (170) includes a latch arm (178) coupled to the housing (110), the latch rib extending from a side of the latch arm to interface with the pin (212).

5. The receptacle connector (102) of claim 4, wherein the latch arm (178) includes a latch finger (186) at a distal end of the latch arm, the latch finger being coupled to the housing (110).

6. The receptacle connector (102) of claim 4, wherein the housing includes a ramp surface at a rear (162) of the latch pocket (172), a distal end of the latch arm (178) engaging the ramp surface, the latch arm being deflected by the ramp surface when the latch release (176) is depressed and the latch (170) is moved to the clearance position, the latch arm moving along the ramp surface to return the latch to the latched position when the latch release is released.

7. The receptacle connector (102) of claim 1, wherein the latch pocket (172) is located near a top (150) of the housing (110).

8. The receptacle connector (102) of claim 1, wherein the cavity (164) is open at the top to view the pins (212) in the cavity.

9. The receptacle connector (102) of claim 1, wherein the housing (110) includes a lead-in surface at the bottom (152) of the housing at the pin entry opening (165).

10. The socket connector (102) of claim 1, wherein the socket (112) is a first socket (114), the housing (110) having a second cavity (164) that retains a second socket (116), the second socket configured to couple to a second pin, the latch (170) lockably coupled to the second pin.

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